418 Burnout, Identity & the "Respectable Addiction" of Work

418 Burnout, Identity & the "Respectable Addiction" of Work

The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast

Dr. Dawn Nickel joins Arlina Allen to discuss the hidden addiction of workaholism, sharing personal stories and practical advice for achieving a healthier work-life balance.

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59:0119 Feb 2026

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Is Work Your Drug? Exploring Workaholism and Burnout

Episode Overview

  • Workaholism can mask itself as ambition and productivity.
  • Burnout mirrors addiction recovery, affecting mental and physical health.
  • Self-worth should not be tied solely to work and productivity.
  • Recognising the signs of overworking is crucial for recovery.
  • Practical tools can help rebuild a balanced life.
"It's the internal compulsion to work. Who am I if I'm not working?"

What happens when work becomes more than just a job? In this compelling episode of The One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast, host Arlina Allen welcomes Dr. Dawn Nickel to discuss the often overlooked addiction to work. Known as workaholism, this addiction can be masked by society's praise for ambition and productivity. Dawn shares her own experiences with a 'workaholic blackout,' a moment that made her realise the extent of her dependency on work as a coping mechanism.

After years of substance recovery, Dawn found herself in a new cycle of overwork and anxiety. She opens up about how her self-worth became entangled with her productivity and the burnout that followed. The conversation highlights the fine line between being driven and being addicted to work, offering listeners practical steps to identify and manage workaholism. Dawn's story is a reminder that recovery isn't just about substances; it can also be about redefining one's identity and finding balance in life.

Whether you're someone who feels trapped in the cycle of overworking or simply curious about the signs of workaholism, this episode provides valuable insights and tools for rebuilding a healthier relationship with work. Could your drive for success be more than just ambition? Tune in to explore how to find balance and redefine what it means to be truly successful.

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